Maintenance Project Engineer; M​/W; V..E

Maintenance Project Engineer (M/W) (V.I.E Contract)

• Full-time
• Years of experience: 1 to 3 years
• Activity:
  Baking
• Contract type: VIE

As a global key player in yeasts and fermentation, Lesaffre designs, manufactures and markets innovative solutions for Baking, Food taste & pleasure, Health care and Biotechnology.

Family group born in northern France in 1853, now a multi-national and a multicultural company, Lesaffre is committed to working with confidence to better nourish and protect the planet.

In close collaboration with its clients and partners, Lesaffre employs 11 000 people in nearly 80 subsidiaries based in +50 countries.

Lesaffre achieves a turnover of 3billion euros.

As a Lesaffre VIE, you will be one of several VIE's, located in Cedar Rapids Iowa, the second largest city in the state. The city boasts a beautiful downtown area 30 minutes away from the largest University in the state, with ample outdoor activities available, as well a large selection of social and sporting events.

Reporting to the Project Engineer, you will support the maintenance and engineering departments. You will also assist the project management office with capital and repair projects.

You will lead and assist with capital and maintenance projects and studies:

• Prepare, develop, and review all project documents including project justifications, engineering designs, specifications, cost estimates, contractor quotes and schedules.
• Perform design work, conduct research, gather information, and conduct feasibility and economic studies of projects.
• Responsible for the administration and execution of projects: budget, contracts, POs, schedules, installation and commissioning
• Coordinate work of contractors, make sure that all plant policies are followed (safety, lock-out, confined space, and other life critical procedures)
• Work with a variety of internal engineering teams (Process, Automation, Drafting, Reliability, etc.) to ensure successful project execution.
• Assist the maintenance and production supervisors and superintendent as needed.
• Participate in troubleshooting plant issues, determine root cause, and generally improve the manufacturing systems.

• Graduated in Mechanical, Chemical or Industrial engineering
• Completed a relevant internship in a food plant.

Skills:

• Good hands‑on and technical knowledge, especially in project management and engineering principles
• Fluency in English is required
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Engaged and resourceful: ability to take initiative & be source of proposals
• Versatility, team spirit, and ability to support
• Adherence to the plant values: professional, dedication, respect, pride, responsible.

Location
:
Cedar Rapids, United States of America

Duration
: 18 months

Start
:
September 2026

Recruitment process
:
Phone screening + 3 interviews.

Goal
:
To offer you a long‑term worldwide career after your V.I.E!

Ready for your next adventure? If you’re ambitious, curious, and eager to grow in an international environment, this V.I.E is for you. Come shape the future of bread making with us in Cedar Rapids.

Diversity & Inclusion
:
At Lesaffre, diversity is a strength that enriches our culture and our teams. We are committed to offering you a work environment where you can thrive, regardless of your background, gender, age or abilities. We encourage all applications, as we believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to innovate and meet the challenges of tomorrow.